Former Shuswap MLA George Abbott is likely to become the next chief commissioner of the B.C. Treaty Commission.
During his time both in opposition and then in government as a member of the B.C. Liberals, the Sicamous resident became well-known for skilled negotiations and tackling difficult portfolios.
Abbott was B.C.’s minister of aboriginal affairs as well as the minister of health and education before retiring from provincial politics in 2013. He also made an attempt at the leadership of the BC Liberal Party, but lost out to Christy Clark.
Abbott is currently working on a PhD at the University of Victoria on the impact that construction of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam had on First Nations.
Abbott won’t become chief commissioner unless this is ratified by the federal and provincial governments and the First Nations Summit. If approved, he will replace Sophie Pierre on April 1, 2015.